General cargo ship Navemar-XII hit reef and capsized in Brazil

The general cargo ship Navemar-XII capsized and sank near the Lighthouse in Olinda, Brazil. The vessel was en route under cargo of construction materials from Recife to Fernando de Noronha in northern course, but shortly after leaving the separation scheme struck on with underwater reef. The general cargo ship suffered underwater damaged and water ingress. The vessel lost stability and capsized, remaining with keel above the water. The six crew succeeded to abandon the vessel and sent distress signal to the local authorities. At the scene was dispatched rescue boat, which picked up all the seamen from the water and transferred them to the shore. There were no reported injuries and no water pollution, but the ship’s wreck is under monitoring of the local authorities.

The local authorities started investigation for the root cause of the accident. According to preliminary information, the vessel hit an underwater reef and suffered large breaches. The ship capsized after Losing seaworthiness and stability.

According to Humberto Machado, managing director of the ship operator, the vessel has insurance, which will cover the salvage and wreck securing. The causes and responsibilities will be determined in Administrative Investigation established by the Navy of Brazil.

The maritime administration and local authorities sent warning to seafarers for increase cautiousness, when navigating through the region, due to the danger of underwater reefs and strong winds, which might adrift the ship to the rocky shallows.

The general cargo vessel Navemar-XII has overall length of 24.00 m, moulded beam of 4.00 m and maximum draft of 2.50 m. The gross tonnage of the ship is 150 GRT. The vessel was operating as coastal freighter in Brazil and during the accident was en route from Recife to Fernando de Noronha with cargo of construction materials for renovation of High School in the city, as well as police department car.